Reds stunned as Kosmina exit linked to Roar top job

"There is no vision. Decision-making at management level is reactive and impulsive at best" ... John Kosmina in a statement outlining his decisions for leaving Adelaide United. Photo: Anthony Johnson

JOHN KOSMINA has parted company with Adelaide United for the second time in his managerial career - and this time it is unlikely there will be a third coming.

Reports on Monday night suggested Kosmina had left the Reds in order to take the hot seat at the Brisbane Roar next season. It's understood the coach had sounded out Brisbane officials about the prospects of a coaching job being available next season before quitting.

The reigning A-League champions, who appointed Mike Mulvey mid-season to replace the sacked Rado Vidosic, are struggling this season and there are ongoing rumours of player discontent.

A Roar spokesman said Mulvey had an iron-clad contract until the end of the season, and then his position would be reviewed.

Kosmina quit on Monday morning, citing a ''lack of trust'' in the way the Reds are run. Assistant coach Michael Valkanis has taken the reins at a club that now looks to be spiralling into crisis.

Adelaide chairman Greg Griffin said he was ''stunned'' by Kosmina's decision, which was sparked by the coach's concerns about his future with the club and his worries about its long-term strategic planning.

Advertisement

''That came as a complete surprise to me,'' Griffin said. ''The club was quite frankly amazed.''

Griffin said the board was due to meet on February 12 to discuss Kosmina's request for a two-year term on a higher salary.

''I literally have no idea what he's on about,'' Griffin said of the lack of trust or vision allegations. ''As far as we were concerned, we had a process in place, which he agreed with and took no issue with.''

Kosmina issued a lengthy statement on Monday morning explaining the decision. ''Before last weekend, we had been first or second in the league and were recognised as a good football team,'' he said. ''However, apart from survival, I can see no clear direction.

''There is no vision. Decision-making at management level is reactive and impulsive at best, and there is no consistency in managerial procedure.

''There is far too much whispering in corridors and around corners … I simply cannot, and will not, work in an environment which otherwise lacks trust.''

Kosmina had helped establish Adelaide United nearly a decade ago. ''I was, and still am, proud of what was achieved, and the culture that was put in place in those early years. I was more than aware, upon accepting Griffin's offer, that many of those principles had been eroded over time.

''Fast forward 10 months, and we come to this. Where I go from here I'm not sure. I'll see which way the wind is blowing. I was digging in the back garden when Griffin rang me a year ago - now I have some time to go back and finish it off.''

Kosmina's first spell in charge ended in controversey after he had guided the club to a 6-0 grand final loss in 2007.